CENTER Santa Fe Calls for Entry

CENTER proudly announces a total of $20,000 in project funding, divided into various categories. The US organization looks for cohesive bodies of work, or singular images, derived from all photographic processes ready for international recognition.

Overview

CENTER’s Calls for Entry accept submissions from photographers and lens-based artists around the world. You can apply in the language that you feel most comfortable with. Work can have been made at any time, and work that has been previously submitted may be re-submitted as they invite new jurors each year. Applicants may submit multiple projects within the same category as well as the same project to multiple categories. Work derived from all photographic processes is accepted, and mixed media that is photo-based. Only the Multimedia Award, Review Santa Fe, and Blue Earth Fiscal Sponsorship applications accept video, multimedia files, and/or still images for submission.

There are several categories open now to foster projects throughout their many phases of development:

ME&EVE Award / $2,500

Specifically designated for a female or LGBTQ+ photographer aged 40 and above, acknowledging the unique perspectives these artists bring to the table.

Development Grant / $5,000

For those with works-in-progress, providing the financial backing needed to refine and elevate their ongoing projects.

Launch Grant / $7,500

the pinnacle of recognition, a $7,500 grant awaits those with complete projects or series, giving them the boost to share their artistic vision with the world.

Excellence in Teaching Award / $5,000

Honoring the contributions of photo educators, acknowledging their role in shaping the next generation of visual storytellers. Educators in all areas of photographic teaching are eligible including fine art, documentary, history, and criticism. Learn more about the Teaching Award.

The jury team is composed by Jehan Jillani (Visuals Editor, The Atlantic - Project Launch Grant), Gregory Harris (Keough Family Curator of Photography, High Museum of Art - Project Development Grant), Eve Schillo (Associate Curator, Wallis Annenberg Photography Department, Los Angeles County Museum of Art - Me&Eve Award), Alanna Styer (Photographer's Green Book - Teaching Award) and 2023 Winner Alanna Styer (Documentary Artist, Educator, Activist, Education Research Fellow, Photographer’s Green Book, and Director of Education, Venice Arts Los Angeles - Excellence in Teaching Award). The jurors only review the work submitted within their designated category.

In addition to the project funding, CENTER features distinct categories recognizing the diversity of photographic storytelling:

Multimedia Award /

Celebrating narrative-driven projects that transcend traditional boundaries, this award emphasizes the power of storytelling through various mediums;

Personal Award /

Acknowledging the strength of self-representation, this category encourages photographers to explore their own stories and share them with the world;

Socially Engaged Award /

Recognizing work that addresses pressing social issues, this award highlights the impactful role photography can play in sparking conversations and driving positive change;

Environmental Award /

Focused on projects that bring attention to environmental concerns, this award underscores the importance of using photography as a tool for advocacy and awareness.

The jurors for these prizes are David Barreda (Senior Photo Editor, National Geographic - Multimedia Award), Kristen Gresh (Estrellita and Yousuf Karsh Senior Curator of Photographs, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston - Personal Award), Noelle Flores Théard (Senior Digital Photo Editor, The New Yorker - Socially Engaged Award) and Sabine Meyer (Photography Director, National Audubon Society - Environmental Award).

All selected photographers from the mentioned categories will also have the opportunity to get admission to the prestigious Review Santa Fe, participate in the public projects presentation, and access professional development seminars, publication with CENTER media partners, ongoing project promotion and inclusion in the winners gallery and archive.

Additionally, the wide list of awards includes the Blue Earth Fiscal Sponsorship /

Providing documentary photographers and filmmakers working on critical environmental and social issues with a 501(c)(3) umbrella, allowing them to seek grants and donations, further supporting their impactful projects. Prize includes 1-Year Sponsorship Contract. The selection committe is composed by Blue Earth Council Members. Learn more about the Blue Earth Fiscal Sponsorship.

CENTER extends beyond financial support, fostering community connection through the Review Santa Fe Photo Symposium.

Scheduled for November 1-3, 2024, in historic downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, this juried portfolio review conference provides a platform for audience expansion and critical discussions. Photographers can connect with industry experts, receive constructive feedback, and establish meaningful connections within the photography community. Selected authors will get up to 9 portfolio reviews, portfolio walk public exposition, private receptions, inclusion in the Review Santa Fe listing and archive. Two industry professionals and one CENTER Alumn will compose the selection committe. Learn more about Review Santa Fe.

All submissions are due by the final deadline, February 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. Each category has specific requirements. If you want an inside view of the application process, there is the chance to join Programs Manager Whitney Wernick in the How-To ENTER CENTER webinar that will walk you through the application and submission process and cover some frequently asked questions.

About CENTER Santa Fe

Founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1994, the nonprofit organization CENTER supports socially and environmentally engaged lens-based projects through education, public platforms, funding, and partnerships. Through their advancement of artists and their work, it serves to deepen public understanding of lens-based media’s complex history and ongoing cultural significance. By establishing partnerships between artists and justice-driven communities, historians, cultural critics, students, and the art world, they advance projects that respect all people, open minds, and engage our shared humanity. CENTER is a network of leading industry professionals, including editors, curators, publishers, gallerists, and committed photographers.